A newly-elected lawmaker in the United States, Luke Letlow, has died from COVID-19 complications.
He was 41.
The congressman-elect from Louisiana, who was elected in November, passed away days before the new Congress is to be sworn in on January 3.
Letlow’s demise was announced in a statement by his spokesman, Andrew Bautsch, early Wednesday morning.
Bautsch said his principal died at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport in Louisiana.
“The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time,” the statement read.
“A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.”
Letlow announced December 18 that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and tweeted days later that he was being treated at a hospital.
On Wednesday, his representative said he had been transferred to another hospital, where he was stable in the intensive care unit.
Letlow is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two young children, Bautsch added.
The US has recorded more than 19.5 million cases and more than 338,000 deaths from COVID-19.
